government. but while the office is constitutionally weak, american presidents have often had enormous power. this comes through each of the offices of the individual presidents to persuade, to wield influence, and at times that power has seemed almost boundless. presidential scholar has more on the presidential strength, underlying our notion of what makes a good president. for many citizens, the president is the ideal of america, and many value strength above all else. which is why of course so many were agast about president obama's performance on wednesday night. they were left asking is he weak? and if he is weak, are we, as a nation, weak? so deep breath, let's pause for a moment and think about what aspects of strength we value. it takes strength to deal honestly with your opponents, even when they deal dishonestly with you. it takes strength to take the tough calls, even when you are not sure how they will turn out. it takes strength to have the patience to watch policy become progress. a